Costco’s $5 rotisserie chicken is a staple for my meal planning on the night after my biweekly Costco trip as it makes a fast, affordable main. Pair it with smart Costco sides and the whole meal stays easy.
Since we also run our restaurant, I’ve learned that balanced sides make a simple protein feel like a full plate, and these are the kinds of items that travel well and taste clean when you get home.
I saw an article on Southern Living that said Costco sold 137 million rotisserie chickens in 2023, which tells you how many of us rely on that bird when time is tight. If you’re grabbing one today, these seven sides keep things fresh, colorful, and satisfying.
A classic that goes with everything
The Kirkland Signature Caesar Salad comes prepped in a deli tub with chopped romaine, shredded parmesan, garlic-cheese croutons, Caesar dressing packets, and lemon wedges, so it lands on the table fast and plays nicely with rotisserie chicken.
For those after a lighter touch, use the dressing sparingly and squeeze extra lemon over the greens. It’s a small tweak that keeps sodium in check without losing flavor. According to the American Heart Association, asking for dressings on the side and using them lightly helps cut salt.
A smart kale kit that works
Taylor Farms’ Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit brings kale, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, chicory, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a creamy poppyseed dressing, which gives you crunch, chew, and color in one bowl.
I sometimes toss in a handful of extra pumpkin seeds and crunchy croutons for more texture. Did you know that Harvard’s Nutrition Source has reported that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are linked with heart health benefits.
A Kirkland favorite
Okay, this one is a personal favorite of mine, the Kirkland Signature Blueberry Basil Salad is a fantastic Costco side. It layers sweet berries with greens, pecans, and shaved cheese for texture and balance.
As the American Heart Association put it, extra veggies and fruit add crunch, color, and staying power to any salad. Nice and tidy.
Asian flavors in a wrap
Those Kirkland Rotisserie Chicken Asian Wraps pack convenience into a spinach tortilla with broccoli slaw and a savory dip. I like the slaw’s snap, since cabbage and crunchy veg help a quick meal feel more complete. The dip’s bold, so a light dunk goes a long way.
The quiet power behind the veggie tray
That big Kirkland Vegetable Tray with ranch looks like party food, yet it solves a weeknight side in seconds. Carrots, celery, peppers, snap peas, broccoli. No chopping. According to the CDC, only about 1 in 10 adults meet fruit and vegetable targets, so a prepped tray can be a simple nudge to get more in.
The Mediterranean diet, simplified
The Kirkland Organic Mediterranean Salad brings romaine, cauliflower, red cabbage, and broccoli stalk with feta and a basil-balsamic vinaigrette, plus herb flatbread strips for crunch. Harvard Health Publishing notes that Mediterranean-style eating patterns support heart health and healthy aging, which is exactly the lane this salad drives in when you’re short on time.
The underdog side of quinoa
For a lean, hearty Costco side, the Kirkland Signature Quinoa Salad mixes quinoa with cucumbers, tomatoes, lentils, and peppers in a lemony vinaigrette. MyFoodData shows a cup of cooked quinoa delivers about 8 grams of protein along with helpful fiber, so it fills the plate without weighing you down. Leftovers hold beautifully for lunch.